Final answer:
The Soviet Union established communist states in Eastern Europe to create a buffer zone that would protect against Western aggression. This strategy followed the USSR's significant losses in World War II and aimed to ensure security and align with worldwide communist goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Soviet Union supported the creation of communist states in Eastern Europe primarily to establish a buffer zone of friendly states. This was intended to protect against potential Western aggression after the experiences of World War II. Following immense sacrifices and losses during the war, the Soviets aimed to rebuild the world in a way that would offer them security and protection. The development of satellite nations, or nations subject to Soviet domination, was designed to create a group of nations friendly to communist goals and thus ensure a measure of safety from invasions or attacks that could come from the West.
Externally, the Soviets saw this policy as a means to contend with U.S. and European imperialism, supporting independence movements in colonies, and reducing the threat of future wars by spreading communism. This approach was in direct opposition to the goals of the United States, which fought for democracy and supported a system of capitalism in the post-war period. Moreover, the Soviet Union forged alliances, such as with the new People's Republic of China, as part of a global strategy to counteract what they perceived as Western expansionism.